How to Make Your Flowers Last Longer (Florist-Approved Tips That Actually Work)

How to Make Your Flowers Last Longer

You’ve received (or treated yourself to) a beautiful bouquet — now you want it to last as long as possible. With a few easy habits, you can extend the life of your flowers by several extra days.

Here’s what we recommend as professional florists.

1. Start with a Clean Vase

Before adding your flowers, wash your vase thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Any leftover bacteria can shorten the lifespan of fresh blooms.

2. Use Fresh, Cool Water

Fill your vase about halfway with cool, clean water — not warm or hot. Replace the water every two days to keep it clear and fresh.

3. Trim the Stems

Cut about 2cm off each stem on a 45° angle before placing them in water. This helps them drink more easily. Repeat trimming every couple of days if possible.

4. Remove Any Leaves Below the Water Line

Leaves in water will rot quickly and promote bacteria growth, making the water cloudy and shortening bloom life.

5. Keep Flowers Cool (and Away from Fruit)

Avoid direct sunlight, heaters, and ripening fruit — ethylene gas from fruit can make flowers wilt faster.

6. Add Flower Food (or Make Your Own)

Most bouquets from your florist come with flower food — use it!
If not, you can make your own by adding:

• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 litre of water
  
  

7. Refresh and Rearrange

As flowers age, remove wilted stems and refresh the arrangement. Sometimes simply changing the water and trimming stems brings them back to life.

Enjoy the Beauty a Little Longer

At Mayfield Floral Co, we design our bouquets using the freshest possible blooms — sourced locally wherever we can. With these care tips, your flowers will stay beautiful for days longer.

Order your fresh, long-lasting bouquet online — available for same-day delivery Newcastle-wide before 12pm.